We received dozens of nominations for Marshfield's 2015 Person of the Year, and it was impossible not to be impressed by how many people are doing all sorts of great things in the community and making a difference. Our People of the Year, as chosen by News-Herald Media editors, include philanthropists and business leaders, people dedicated to their jobs and a young man whose story has inspired the community. We're proud of all of these efforts.

The News-Herald Media 2015 People of the Year are:

Everett Roehl(Photo: File/News-Herald Media)

Everett Roehl, businessman and philanthropist

It would be hard to find someone who had more local impact this year than Everett Roehl. The Roehl Transport Inc. founder’s gifts made possible not one but two major public projects now under construction: Marshfield’s new public library and University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County’s new STEM building. Both projects will bear his name, and both will make a big difference to the community for years to come.

Paul Rogers is known to Marshfield as the longtime owner of Rogers Cinema. This year he saw a different effort come to fruition with the dedication of Marilyn Hardacre Park, a new downtown park at the corner of Fifth Street and Central Avenue. Rogers "gave unselfishly this year as he worked tirelessly to develop Hardacre Park," wrote the reader who nominated him. "From the conception of the design to the demolition of his old buildings, overseeing the construction of the park and often working himself, to seeking the community’s financial support through the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Paul made the park a beautification (project) for downtown Marshfield."

That reader who sent in the nomination, by the way, was former Marshfield Mayor Marilyn Hardacre, whose name the new park bears.

New bears Munsey and Boda frolic in their new digs at the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting &amp; Meet the Cubs ceremony for the new JP Adler Family Kodiak Bear Exhibit at Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield. Saturday, October 24, 2015.(Photo: Dan Young/Gannett Central Wisconsin Media)

Ed Englehart, Steve Burns and the Wildwood Park Zoological Society, for bringing Boda and Munsey to town

A lot of people contributed a lot and worked very hard to make Wildwood Zoo's new and popular bear exhibit a reality. The $1.3 million exhibit has been an instant hit, and part of a larger makeover for the zoo that is going to be a lasting asset to Marshfield. But it never could have happened without the work of city Parks & Recreation Department Director Ed Englehart, zookeeper Steve Burns and the entire Wildwood Park Zoological Society. The new exhibit is a delight, and the region has enjoyed meeting Kodiak cubs Boda and Munsey. Their habitat helps make Wildwood Zoo and downtown Marshfield a destination for family fun — a destination that even included a Newt over the holidays! Newt Gingrich, that is. The former speaker of the House told his social media followers that he visited Wildwood this week.

Ryan Dieringer, of Marshfield, runs Saturday during the Nutz Deep run fundraising event in Marshfield this summer.(Photo: File/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Ryan Dieringer, founder, #RPDStrong

It is not fair that Ryan Dieringer, 16, was stricken with cancer. But the Columbus Catholic High School Student’s battle against Ewing’s sarcoma has become an inspiration throughout the community. On Facebook, nearly 1,500 people follow #RPDStrong for updates from Ryan and his family. Athletes and sports teams across the nation have reached out to him with jerseys and memorabilia and notes of encouragement, as have local schools and fundraisers. According to his Facebook group, Ryan entered his 15th round of chemotherapy just after Christmas. We’re all rooting for him.

Marshfield boy fights rare cancer, dreams of soccer

Jason Gorst(Photo: Dan Young/News-Herald Media)

Jason Gorst, coach, Spencer/Columbus football

The co-op football team of Spencer/Columbus Catholic reached new heights this year, making a terrific run all the way to the Division 5 state finals.

The team beat clubs it had never beaten before and saw the community rally behind them in their postseason run to Madison.

Gorst was an even-keeled, steady leader throughout, bringing out the best in his team.